Early Physical Therapy Can Be Cost-Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain

Early Physical Therapy Can Be Cost-Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain

"Low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work," the National Institutes of Health (NIH)notes, and a recent study suggests there's no reason to delay physical therapy that might relieve the pain.

"It's likely there's a group of patients who could benefit from early physical therapy," Julie Fritz, PT, a clinical research scientist at Intermountain Healthcare, told The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah study: Early physical therapy can ease lower back pain - April 26, 2013). She explained that, contrary to conventional belief, "using it doesn't automatically jack up costs."